Two youths convicted of mugging another in Labasa this year had their 10-month jail term suspended for three years.
Alipate Gaunabalavu, 22, and Sakiusa Drevuso, 25, pleaded guilty to kicking and punching a Rajinesh Kumar, who was walking to his relatives’ house in Vuniwai Settlement on May 17 this year.
They stole Mr Kumar’s Samsung mobile phone, his T-shirt, and his slip-on.
Both men, who have expressed remorse for their offences, said they were farmers supporting their wives and children.
Justice Lee James Burney said in all the circumstances of the case, a suspension was justified.
“You are not hardened criminals, and I feel sure that you have no wish to repeat the experience of your period in custody on remand,” Justice Burney said.
“You both have heavy family responsibilities, which I feel sure will be a powerful incentive for you not to re-offend. The manner in which you have taken responsibility for your offending leads me to believe that you will go on to be productive and law-abiding citizens.”
